New studies link omega-3 and vitamin supplementation to less brain shrinkage and increased performance on mental thinking tests. For years, the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3s have been well studied and documented. But more recently, increased attention has been given to another advantage of these long-chain fatty acids... cognitive health. Two recent studies found that there was a clear association between fish oil supplements and brain volume.
Why Brain Size Matters
The human brain develops quickly, quadrupling in size during the first three years of life, and maxing out at 3 pounds by about age 20. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from there. Brain weight starts to deteriorate significantly around age 45, decreasing by an average of 11% from its weight in early adulthood. Shrinkage is most pronounced in the forebrain region responsible for personality, memory, and cognitive function. It is this part of the brain that affords humans the ability to think abstractly, reason, and concentrate.
A Precursor to Alzheimer's
Researchers now believe that brain shrinkage can help predict Alzheimer's disease years before it can be diagnosed. Alzheimer's disease causes brain cells to shrink or disappear, replacing them with dense white spots known as plague. But MRI imaging can detect this shrinkage up to 10 years before the effects are noticed in a person's day-to-day living. Recent studies also point to omega-3's supplementation as a way to halt or prevent this brain shrinkage. people with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to have brain shrinkage.
Turning Research Into Reality: Gaining the Benefits of Omega-3s
With hundreds of studies providing supporting research on the benefits of omega-3s, the question then becomes, "How much fish oil do I need?" While there is no FDA recommended daily value for fish oil, the World Health Organization and other government health agencies offer the following guidelines:
- Healthy Adults: 1,000 mg daily
- Adults with cardiovascular disease symptoms: 2,000 mg daily
- Adults with symptoms of Alzheimer's: 2,000 mg daily
- Prenatal/nursing mothers: 1,400 mg daily
Hooking the Right Fish Oil Supplement
As more omega-3 benefits come to light, more supplement manufacturers are jumping into the market. For you, catching the best fish oil supplement is as easy as 1,2,3. Read the label to ensure it meets these critical criteria:
- Source: Natural fish oil with the highest concentration of omega-3s coming from wild caught fish in deep, cold waters. You also want to choose fish with shorter lifespans, so they are far less likely to accumulate toxins. Ideal sources include salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines.
- Purity: One of the ideal benefits of supplements is the ability to avoid contaminants. But just because it's a pill doesn't mean it's pure. Look for a supplement that is molecularly distilled by water microdistillation without chemicals or excessive temperatures.
- DHA & EPA Levels: The two most valuable omega-3s in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The higher the level, the more beneficial they are.
Shaklee OmegaGuard is the world's finest fish oil. It is ultra pure and has a pharmaceutical grade. the fish oil in OmegaGuard is certified by the Friend of the Sea, an international conversation organization, under strict criteria for sustainability, including full traceability in every phase of the process. Shaklee OmegaGuard contains a full spectrum of seven naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, ALA, and more. Omegaguard is essential for immune system protection and support... plus omega-3s actually create new communication centers in neurons & are absolutely essential for optimal brain functioning and mood. Studies also indicate that they help lower high blood pressure, reduce serum cholesterol, and improve cholesterol balance.
Try Shaklee OmegaGuard now and save $2.00. It is so crucial to have a quality source like Shaklee provides because do you really eat fatty fish 3 times a week?! With Shaklee OmegaGuard you get the highest concentration of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids available along with a host of others...easy to digest with no aftertaste. Call me or go to healthnetwk.myshaklee.com for more information.
Have a beautiful and healthy afternoon. Let me be your Transfer Bridge from Dis-Ease and Stuckness to Ultimate Wellness!
Yours in health always,
Lisa
LQ WELLNESS
Professional Wellness Coach
973-383-0955
lisaquinnwc@embarqmail.com
"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." ~ Jim Rohn ~
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